Himalayan Villages Series – Featuring Kotkhai

The Himalayas are majestic and grand in their own aura. Small serene and beautiful hamlets and villages personify the grandeur to a much higher level. Kotkhai village in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, is one such fabulous tourist destination where peace and calmness are at its peak.

Situated at a height of about 1800 meters from the ground level, the village has some incredible views of the mountain ranges. Travellers from all over India and abroad love the place due to its tranquil atmosphere. Both summers and winters foresee an influx of tourists to witness the surreal calmness.

The Key Attractions of Kotkhai

One can spend an entire day in this small town, filled with some enticing sight-seeing spots. Kotkhai is a name given in the colloquial language, kot meaning palace and khai meaning rocky mountain cliff. The town is located at the banks of the river Giri.

The Kotkhai palace is a must visit in the town. It artistically stands at the edge of a cliff. King Rana Saab was the pioneer behind the creation of this wondrous palace way back around the 12^th century. Though some part of it is converted into ruins, yet it stands tall and high symbolizing the grandness of the ancient rulers of India. You can enjoy the mystic views of the river Giri gushing past the palace and the gigantic Himalayan mountain ranges. The palace has a pagoda depicting the Tibetan architectural style followed for its construction.

There are two temples at Kotkhai, visited by travellers and devotees to offer their prayers to the Gods. They worship and seek blessings before the Almighty. Throughout the year, you can observe people arriving at the temples even from long distant places. Both Mahamai temple and Lankra Veer temple are present amid a pristine and lush green environment. You can discover a feeling of eternal peace at the temple premises.

Nera Ghati is essentially a spot for a picnic and is renowned for its gorgeous panoramic landscape. You can sit and relax to spend time with family and friends in solitude. Gazing at the breathtaking scenery, you can unwind and refresh your mind and soul. Locals often spend their weekend at this amazing destination, a break from the daily humdrum of life. You can relieve your mind and brain from the anxieties and worry of everyday life.

There is also a forest named Kiala in Kotkhai. If you love forests and like venturing into wildlife, the place is ideal for you. The place is a photographers delight to capture some incredible photos of nature's stunning beauty. Watching the birds chirping around is an attraction of the forest. You can walk or drive along the forest trail, whilst immersing into the soothing freshness of the environment.

Within the forest area, you will find a pond called Dhilon. The locals dwelling in the area are mostly religious. They believe the pond to be a source of divine power and eternal strength.  It is quite an offbeat location, and it not very much crowded by the tourists. The dense forests at its two sides cast a magical spell all around.

Booking.com

Apple Orchards

Kotkhai is well-known for its apple orchards. The orchards spread across a whopping area of almost 23000 hectares. You must seek proper permission in advance to visit the orchards. It produces the largest number of apples in the entire state of Himachal Pradesh. Huge quantities are exported from the Kotkhai apple orchards to different parts of India and even abroad.

Thotha

Thotha is a popular traditional game of the Kotkhai locals and tribes. It's an arrow and bow game participated by 2 groups. They compete against each in pointing targets and gaining points.

How to reach?

Travellers prefer to drive or hire a car to reach Kotkhai. It's a scenic drive along the mountain roads and the dense forest trails. Well for others travelling via train and flight; Jubbarhatti is the nearest airport and Shimla is the nearest railway station. You can even vail the public and private buses that ply from different parts of the state and the nearby cities.

Strolling across the village, you can breathe into the purity and tranquilize your body and soul. Visiting a secluded location offers a rest from the hectic and crowded city life; a perfect haven of peace.